Newcastle is United again — and Eddie Howe with PIF have Geordies dreaming

NEWCASTLE: Just a few short years ago, no one thought it even close to possible. During the dark days of Mike Ashley — that now seem so far away — with its loveless, lifeless existence, a hope and ambition vacuum, which did nothing but suck the life out of everything near it, dreams of the top four were not even talked about on Tyneside, never mind conjured in slumberland. The idea of the Champions League to Newcastle United was something so far out of reach, it may as well have been nestled on top of Makkah Clock Royal Tower.

But some shrewd Saudi investment, courtesy of PIF, some coaching magic from Eddie Howe, a sprinkling of class from within the St. James’ Park dressing room and true Geordie grit and belief from the terraces — as well as the flags, don’t forget the flags — has produced a cocktail so potent it is being felt the world over. Newcastle United are back.

They’re back where they’re belong. And the big feeling now is that they are here to stay. A point was all that was needed by Eddie Howe’s men — and a point is all they garnered.

This was no performance for the ages, no party-like show on home turf — it has to be remembered that the opponents, Leicester City, are fighting for their Premier League lives. It was, however, one built of pragmatism, desire and top-end nouse, the like of which has not been seen around these parts since the late, great Sir Bobby Robson was in the SJP dugout. Fast starts have kind of become Newcastle’s thing, but they were lacking in that regard on the night.

Surely a slip-up was not on the cards? Well, United teams of old maybe had that in their locker, not this one. Howe’s Magpies are built of sterner stuff. And even when their fluid best eludes them, they are still an